St. Anthony began life as a young nobleman who enjoyed all the sumptuous pleasures and privileges of that medieval Europe could offer. Yet he was compelled by a mysterious inner voice to gaze upon the unspeakable misery, disease and cruelty around him. Overcome with boundless compassion, he entered a monastery, dedicating his fine mind and fragile body to defending the poor and oppressed against injustice.

This outstanding movie is unique among films on St. Francis because of the historical accuracy of the story and its authentic spirit of joy and piety Francis was known for, as well as the major role played by Clare who is given equal stature with Francis.

Francis and Clare of Assisi — two figures of the Middle Ages who went against all conventions of the times and whose way of life is still a challenge. With both beautiful photography that takes you to the places frequented by Clare and Francis and original music with medieval melodies, their extraordinary tale is told.

This documentary features two programs. First, St. Clare of Assisi reveals the extraordinary life of St. Clare, a woman who reached the highest summits of Christian mysticism, who knew how to defend her decisions alone and who built a social reality that still challenges the centuries.
The second program, included as a bonus, is Poor Clares: A Hidden Presence. More than twenty thousand women today follow the example of Clare of Assisi in monasteries scattered throughout the world - the cloistered convent, a city in prayer and a hidden presence with a love with reserve for all of humanity.

St. Francis chose and elaborated several Bible verses to help his companions better understand Christ's suffering. This text is illustrated in this program by Peitro Lorenzetti's 14th-century fresco cycle (Lower Basilica of the Basilica of St. Francis), by Assisi's traditional Good Friday Procession and by various places in and around Assisi. Also included are The Canticle of the Creatures, and The Testament of St. Francis, an expression of the saint's last will.